Annual report finds overdoses remain No. 1 cause of accidental death in Travis County

Homicides overall trended downward from 2022 with six fewer in 2023, according to the report.

In 2023, there were 486 total overdose deaths, a 17% increase from 2022; there were 279 accidental fentanyl-related overdoses.

Officials emphasized that, despite the increased rate of accidental fentanyl-related deaths, it is not increasing at the magnitude of prior years. The rate of fentanyl-related overdoses increased by 107% in 2022 but 13% in 2023.

“We continue to see the trend of drug overdose deaths disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities, as we saw an increase from 2022 to 2023,” Brown said.

The following ZIP codes also saw the most accidental drug deaths in 2023.

By the numbers

The rest of the in-depth report breaks down statistics throughout the county, including:

• Reported deaths
• Scene investigations
• Manner of death
• Deaths by age and injury type

Aside from drug toxicity—or overdoses—falls and car-related injuries were the runners-up in most accidental deaths at 219 and 198, respectively.

Just over half of all car-related fatalities were of individuals not in a car. Here is a breakdown:

Brown was joined by several officials and leaders within the community, who spoke to the findings of the report or of the work being done to mitigate deaths.

"As we enter our budget cycle this year, we'll look at different ways to increase [Narcan] access in our community and continue our three-part strategy of education, prevention and intervention to reduce overdose deaths, and support harm-reduction activities and strategies," Brown said.

Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director and health authority for Austin-Travis County, said they are working to help community members reduce stress and, subsequently, try to reduce violent outcomes.

"The survivors of violence are being taken care of in our Trauma Recovery Center that was opened last year," she said. "The center is staffed by therapists, counselors, social workers and outreach personnel who help survivors regain their strength and rebuild their lives."

What’s next

Several local entities, including the city, the county, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and more, are working to provide a net of support for the community.

Most recently on April 30, the Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Texans Connecting Overdose Prevention Efforts to track and get a better sense of where overdoses are happening and when.